December 19, 2017

The American Open: I’m always super pumped to go to it but it rarely goes how I plan it to. My favorite one so far was in Washington DC in 2014. It was one of my big breakout meets as a super-heavyweight.

140/170 this year as a 94. Not bad but I can do better.

My first American Open was in 2010 in Cincinnati. I was finishing up most of my basic science classes at Sac State had been lifting for 5 years already. This meet will stand out in my memory for many reasons but for brevity’s sake, I’ll list just a few:

This was the first time I met Coach Zygmunt. Kevin Doherty introduced us in the training hall and I happened to be holding my biology book (finals were coming up). Zygmunt shakes my hand, points at the book and goes, “Student! GOOOOOOOOOD.” And I’m thinking to myself, “No, student BAD. Weightlifting GOOD.” But we all know how that played out. I finished my degree and I’m a better coach than a I am a weightlifter.

The comeback meet of Zach Krych. He had broken BOTH wrists while doing cleans with straps while training at the OTC and this was a triumphant comeback performance for him.

I met a young man by the name of Mat Fraser. I think he went on to do very well in other fitness related competitions.

The 85A/94A men’s session. This session was amazing to watch. I knew I wanted to be in the mix like this one day. I’m still finding my way there. But I’m confident I’ll have a few more opportunities before I hang up the shoes.

After we all competed, me, Paul, Kari and the others went to eat at the only spot that was open during the snow storm; a sushi joint in the middle of a parking lot.